Tattoo machine rechargeable battery unit with voltage controller

ABSTRACT

A compact battery and voltage supply controller apparatus for a tattoo machine is disclosed. The battery and controller are configured to connect the battery to the tattoo machine through replaceable internally received magnetic connection adapters. The toggle switch operated display screen provides easy-to-view status and health of the battery and incremental voltage adjustment using a voltage boost circuit and adjustment knob. The internal battery can be replaced and/or removed and recharged.

This application claims the benefit of prior filed provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/825,020, filed Mar. 27, 2019.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is directed to a rechargeable battery system for poweringtattoo machines. More particularly, this invention is directed to acompact, rechargeable battery system with a voltage controller andvariable mounting configurations for use with tattoo machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tattoo machines are conventionally powered by a mains supply, whichtypically involves a long cord. Tattoo machines can also be found usinga battery as the power supply wherein the battery is affixed (tied) tothe artist's arm with a power cable extending to the machine. In manyinstances, the prior art's battery connection to the machine isinsecure, prone to rotation during use, as well as possiblydisconnecting. Additionally, the arm-attached battery can be cumbersomewith the weight of the battery on the artist's arm being a source ofirritation as well as effect the tattoo artist's dexterity and skill.This is especially so during a long tattooing session where the batterymay become warm. Rechargeable batteries, with “speed” control, fortattoo machines do exist, but the execution of the machine often resultsin inaccurate power control, not suitable for brushless DC motors, andan awkward cumbersome battery “pendulum” weighting on the end of themachine making precise control of the opposite, tattooing, end moredifficult.

What is desired in the art is a compact lightweight rechargeable batteryfor a tattoo machine, with multiple adjustable tattoo machine to batteryinterface possibilities, to accommodate the artist's weighting andbalance preferences, as well as providing easy-to-view status(es) of thebattery health and voltage provision and adjustment modes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a compact battery and voltage supply controller for atattoo machine. The invention includes a battery system that allows thebattery to direct-connect to the tattoo machine, through variousinternally received magnetic connection adapters, as well as providingeasy-to-view status and health of the battery and incremental 0.01 Vvoltage adjustment using a voltage boost circuit or voltagemodulator/potentiometer circuit actuated via a rotary adjustment knob.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rechargeable battery and voltagecontrol unit in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side, partial internal mechanism, view of the device inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a backend view of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a front ¾ view of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows an RCA type adapter for use with a tattoo machine having anRCA type power port.

FIG. 9 shows a 3.5 mm phono type adaptor for use with a tattoo machinehaving a phono type power port.

FIG. 10 shows an adapter for use with a tattoo machine having a typicalDC connection port.

FIG. 11 shows an adapter for use with a “clip cord” type tattoo machinepower supply.

FIG. 12 show a power end of a tattoo machine having an RCA type powerport on the end shown.

FIG. 13 shows a variation of the adapter shown in FIG. 8 above, i.e., anRCA adapter with an RCA male end and an opposite magnetic connection.

FIG. 14 shows the power end of a tattoo machine with a phono type powerconnector.

FIG. 15 shows a female 3.5 mm phono power receptacle.

FIG. 16 shows a phono type power supply plugged into a tattoo machinehaving phono type power receptacle.

FIG. 17 shows a magnetic connector for a “clip cord” tattoo machine.

FIG. 18 shows the connector of FIG. 17 connected to a “clip cord” typeconnection to a tattoo machine.

FIG. 19 is a battery pack of the device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 shows the orientation and insertion of the battery pack of FIG.19 into the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a DC-to-DC power converter boost circuit for boosting outputvoltage of the power supply.

FIG. 22 is a screen shot of display 5 showing battery state, voltage,and temperature.

FIG. 23 is a screen shot of display 5 showing the supplied informationflipped for left-handed users.

FIG. 24 is a screen shot of display 5 showing the same information asthat in FIG. 22, but in metric units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect to FIGS. 1-7: an exemplary compact battery power supplydevice in accord with the present invention is shown. The deviceincludes a housing 15, display 5, power switch 4, adjustment knob 2,screen display toggle switch 3, battery compartment cover 1, andmounting face 6 with an insertion cavity for a magnetic type tattoomachine connector.

The display 5 can show any one or more of the following information tothe artist: 1. Battery life (in time, volts, amps, percentage, etc.); 2.Temperature of the battery unit during operation; 3. Current draw; 4.Operational status (on/off/standby/charging/fully charged/etc.). SeeFIGS. 22-24. Of course, other information that may be useful, can alsobe shown, according to design preference. In some embodiments, thedisplay 5 may be a touch sensitive display, allowing some degree ofdisplay and/or operational mode configurability. In the embodimentshown, control button 3 toggles the display screen between predeterminedinformation register panels as well as flipping the screen for left andright-handed operational display. See FIG. 23.

In the embodiment shown, the screen toggle button 3 operates in thefollowing sequence: Touch 1 turns on the MAIN SCREEN 5. Touch 2 allowsthe screen 5 to be turned off while the unit 15 still powers themachine. This gives the user the option to keep the screen off or onwhile in use. Touch 3 allows a user to switch the power supplytemperature reading between Celsius and Fahrenheit. Touch 4 allows theuser to store up to 2 preset voltages (whatever their optimal run speedsare for the task being undertaken). Touch 5 allows the user to clear thepreset voltages they have stored. Touch 6 allows the user to flip thescreen view 180 degrees. This is so the unit can be easily used by rightor left-handed users and the screen is always facing the correct way forreading for a given user.

The power switch 4 is self-explanatory and switches the battery from anactive to an inactive state. Adjustment knob 2 can be used to selectdifferent voltage/current settings in the battery between 0 and 12 voltsin micro-adjustable increments of 0.01 volts through action of the shownrotary potentiometer 8, FIG. 2, or the boost circuit shown in FIG. 21.

Mounting face 6 provides a structure for the mounting magneticconnection interface adapters to mate the battery power supply unit 15to a power end of a tattoo machine, or to any necessary adapter toconfigure a tattoo machine to interface with the internal magneticconnector 6 of device 15 shown. A tattoo machine selected for use isfirst equipped with the appropriate adapter, RCA, Phone, DC, clip cord,etc., then the device 15 is mated to the tattoo machine so equipped.

A Male RCA power connector 70, as shown in FIG. 8, has a male RCA end 72opposite a magnetic style connector 74 that fits within the mountingface 6 of the battery supply housing 15 and makes contact with themagnetic electrical conductors within the mounting face 6. The Male RCApower connector 70 can be a removable “plug” and can be transferred toand from other tattoo machines equipped with an RCA type power andcontrol interface. For example, the tattoo machine 50 shown in FIG. 12.The mounting face insertion cavity 6 provides a structural connectionpoint for the power connector 70 to the battery system. That is, themounting face 6 insertion cavity operates to physically “hold” powerconnector 70, which in turn physically attaches to the tattoo machine(not shown). The power connector 70 provides, in this example, bothelectrical connection and physical connection to the tattoo machine. Insome embodiments, the electrical connection and physical connectioncapabilities may be accomplished through different structures.

For example, in FIG. 9 an 3.5 mm phono power connector 80 is shown andhas an extended female phono end 82 opposite a magnetic style connector84 that fits within the mounting face 6 of the battery housing 15 andmakes contact with the magnetic electrical conductors within themounting face 6. The phono power connector 80 can be a removable “plug”and can be transferred to and from other tattoo machines equipped with aphono type power and control interface. For example, the tattoo machines52 shown in FIGS. 14, and 54 shown in FIG. 16. The mounting faceinsertion cavity 6 provides a structural connection point for the powerconnector 80 to the battery system. That is, the mounting face 6insertion cavity operates to physically “hold” power connector 80, whichin turn physically attaches to the tattoo machine (not shown). The powerconnector 80 provides, in this example, both electrical connection andphysical connection to the tattoo machine.

In another example, FIG. 10 shows a DC type adapter 90. The adapter 90has a male DC end 92 opposite a magnetic style connector 94 that fitswithin the mounting face 6 of the battery housing 15 and makes contactwith the magnetic electrical conductors within the mounting face 6. Themale DC power connector 90 can be a removable “plug” and can betransferred to and from other tattoo machines equipped with an DC typepower and control interface. The mounting face insertion cavity 6provides a structural connection point for the power connector 90 to thebattery system. That is, the mounting face 6 insertion cavity operatesto physically “hold” power connector 90, which in turn physicallyattaches to the tattoo machine (not shown). The power connector 90provides, in this example, both electrical connection and physicalconnection to the tattoo machine.

As a further non-limiting example, a “clip” or “strut” type adapter 100can secure the battery to the tattoo machine, while electricalconnection is provided though a separate clip cord connection as shownin FIGS. 11, 17, and 18. The clip cord adaptor 100 is attached to theexposed coil and magnet tattoo machine as shown in FIG. 18, and thepower supply 15 is then attached to the magnetic connector 104 byinsertion into cavity 6 of unit 15. Other modifications and changes,according to design preference, are understood to be within the scope ofthis disclosure, such as dual wire, single wire (with polarity),balun-type, and so forth. This flexibility gives the exemplary batterysystem the ability to be attached virtually all the different types oftattoo machines in the industry. And, if configured with a variablepower output capability (using the adjustment knob 2), the exemplarybattery system can provide an enhanced range of compatibility to varioustattoo machines having different voltage requirements. The artist onlyneeds to mount the correct mounting interface adapter for the powerconnector desired. Or, insert the appropriate power connector into themounting interface cavity 6. This allows, the exemplary battery systemto be easily used with different machine types.

The system is also able to provide different voltages, selectable by theartist. For example, the artist could select from 0-12 volts inincrements of 0.01 Volts. The compactness of the exemplary systemresulted in a unit weighing less than 1.3 ounces while still providingup to 8 hours of use. Additionally, the display 5 was configured to beturned off (or reduced in brightness) if the display's light wasbothersome. Further, the display 5 is configured to be flipped (orrotated) to allow left-handers to easily read it. See FIGS. 22-24.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show the removeable battery cover 1 and affixed battery20, the battery pack 21, separated from the device housing 15. FIG. 20shows, particularly, the insertion of the battery pack 21 into thehousing battery cavity 22. The battery 20 may comprise cells of arechargeable lithium ion type totaling, for example, 12-14V, withconventionally known recharging interfaces therefore, i.e., USB, microUSB, etc. The battery can, alternatively, be a generic cell type thatcan be removed, recharged, and replaced into the internal battery cavity22 when the battery cavity is equipped to receive such a cell, and thecover 1 for the battery compartment internal cavity 22 operates as justa cover. The removability of the battery either as a unit in combinationwith the cover, or as a separate cell, eliminates the battery life asthe limit on use of the unit 15. Additional batteries or battery packscan be obtained separately thus extending the useful life of the unit15.

FIG. 21 shows a typical DC-to-DC power boost circuit 110 wherein currentis stepped down in exchange for a boost in Voltage. This type of circuitis used to step-up and step down the voltage supply from the battery asthe output voltage to the connected tattoo machine and can be used as analternative to the rotary potentiometer shown in FIG. 2.

We claim:
 1. A rechargeable battery and voltage controller mountable toa tattoo machine, comprising: a housing; a removeable battery internalto the housing; a display screen mounted on an exterior surface of saidhousing showing an output and condition status of the battery; anadjustment knob, for controlling a battery output voltage circuitconnected to the battery, mounted on an end of said housing; a firstmounting face on a forward end of the housing opposite the adjustmentknob, said mounting face including an insertion cavity for receiving amagnetic electrical connector for discharging battery power through saidmagnetic connection in accord with the control set by the adjustmentknob.
 2. The device claim 1, wherein the insertion cavity is configuredto receive an adaptor having an RCA type output on an end thereof and anopposed end magnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 3. Thedevice claim 1, wherein the insertion cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having a DC type output on an end thereof and an opposed endmagnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 4. The deviceclaim 1, wherein the insertion cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having a phono type output on an end thereof and an opposed endmagnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 5. The deviceclaim 1, wherein the insertion cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having a clip-cord type output on an end thereof and an opposedend magnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein a power output is adjustable in increments of 0.01 Vbetween 0-12 volts.
 7. A rechargeable battery and voltage controllermountable to a tattoo machine, comprising: a housing; a removeablebattery located in a first cavity internal to the housing; a displayscreen mounted on an exterior surface of said housing showing an outputand condition status of the battery; an adjustment knob, for controllinga battery output voltage circuit connected to the battery, mounted on anend of said housing; a first mounting face on a forward end of thehousing opposite the adjustment knob, said mounting face including aninsertion second cavity for receiving a magnetic electrical coupling andconnector for discharging battery power through said magnetic connectionin accord with the control set by the adjustment knob.
 8. The deviceclaim 7, wherein the insertion second cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having an RCA type output on an end thereof and an opposed endmagnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 9. The deviceclaim 7, wherein the insertion second cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having a DC type output on an end thereof and an opposed endmagnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 10. The deviceclaim 7, wherein the insertion second cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having a phono type output on an end thereof and an opposed endmagnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 11. The deviceclaim 7, wherein the insertion second cavity is configured to receive anadaptor having a clip-cord type output on an end thereof and an opposedend magnetic connector input inserted within said cavity.
 12. The systemof claim 7, wherein a power output is adjustable in increments of 0.01 Vbetween 0-12 volts.